Sterilization Procedures

[Spyderturbo007]

I recently lost two Anthias during QT and was left with a 20g, PVC pipe, heater and filter to disinfect. What is the proper procedure for sterilization of a QT following a disease?

I threw away all the filter media, air stone and airline tubing. I soaked the filter (except the motor) in a bleach solution for 24 hours and wiped the tank down with a bleach water mixture. I tried to add some bleach to the impeller housing and let it soak for awhile, but I couldn't soak it for the entire 24 hours because of it not being able to be submersed.

Is there anything else I need to do to ensure no contamination should I decided to purchase more Anthias from a different vendor. I've had nothing but diseased fish when buying from my LFS. I think I'll try Live Aquaria the next time, provided I try again. It's just so sad to watch a poor little fish die. :sad2:

Anyway, back to the question. Is what I did sufficient?

 

[Newsmyrna80]

It's a horrible feeling watching them. I'm sorry for your loss. Some people use bleach others use vinegar. Both are acceptable, just be sure to thoroughly rinse with water afterwards and let air dry. I let them dry for at least a few days.

 

[Deinonych]

If the bleach didn't kill the nasties, drying will. Few pathogens can survive dessication, so as long as you let everything fully dry for a day or two, you should be good. Letting everything fully dry also neutralizes any unrinsed bleach (leaving just salt), so there's an added benefit.

FWIW, I have purchased all of my fish from LA and I have been very satisfied with the quality, selection and guarantees from them. I don't buy livestock from the LFS in my area, as nothing ever looks healthy.

 

[Spyderturbo007]

It's a horrible feeling watching them. I'm sorry for your loss.

Thanks Newsmyrna80. It makes me feel terrible watching the poor little animals die an there is nothing I can do to help.

On a side note, I was in New Smyrna a few weeks ago when I was down for bike week. It's a beautiful place. I think I spent most of my time at Outriggers sitting on their deck by the fire in the evenings. :wave:

FWIW, I have purchased all of my fish from LA and I have been very satisfied with the quality, selection and guarantees from them. I don't buy livestock from the LFS in my area, as nothing ever looks healthy.

Mine is the same way. My brother in law and I have decided we won't be purchasing live stock from them. Over the time I've had my tank I've lost almost 60% of the fish I purchased within the first few days to some disease. Ich + Lympho, Brook (or so I think it was brook), Bacterial Infections, etc. My brother in Law purchased a Firefish with some wild parasite attached to the side of it.

Anyway, I'll be buying from Live Aquaria in the future. It's worth the premium not to have to watch one die.

Here is the parasite. Apparently it's some species specific parasite and what you see hanging out the side is an egg sack. It took about a week before it appeared and since there is no know cure, he was forced to terminate the poor little thing. We could find almost nothing on the Internet about this particular parasite.

 

[Deinonych]

Yuck. I wonder if prazi would have killed it perhaps? Or maybe something like Paracide-D from NFP?

 

[Newsmyrna80]

Thanks Newsmyrna80. It makes me feel terrible watching the poor little animals die an there is nothing I can do to help.

On a side note, I was in New Smyrna a few weeks ago when I was down for bike week. It's a beautiful place. I think I spent most of my time at Outriggers sitting on their deck by the fire in the evenings. :wave:

Love Outriggers!! I'm glad we had some decent weather for you